Entries in classic study
(8)

A common rule of thumb, at least on the internet, is that it’s okay to be interested in someone “half your age plus seven” years. According to this rule, it would not be creepy for a 30 year old to date a 22 year-old, but an 18 year-old would be off-limits. Although this is a fun rule of thumb, what does research say about age preferences for potential mates?

What’s hotter than a vampire in love? Two vampires in love...with the same woman! Admit it, you eagerly awaited each Sunday, hoping that this season of True Blood might push the erotic boundary of an already risqué show by including a steamy three-way relationship between Sookie, Bill, and Eric! Then, stunned, you watched the season draw to a close with Sookie walking away from both of her true loves.

As I look out my office window at the freshmen moving into the dorms, I’m reminded of a classic study of student housing at MIT demonstrating the importance of physical proximity on forming friendships. Most college friendships developed between people who lived near to each other; those living close to stairwells and mailboxes (i.e., gathering places) became the most popular residents. So if you want to make friends, be seen and interact with others.

Have you ever been in a relationship that you hid from others? If you answered “YES”, you’re not alone; 62% of S of R readers responding to our recent poll have done the same. There are lots of reasons to keep a relationship under the figurative (and literal, as we’ll see later) table. Maybe you’re dating your boss, seeing someone significantly older or younger than you, got back together with your ex (that your friends all hated), or are having an affair with someone who is currently married and you need to be discreet about your tryst. Sounds pretty hot, right?

Some research is just too cool; here’s a now classic study worth sharing.

For a long time scientists have been curious about the link between empathy and pain. In particular, people use so-called “mirror neurons” to help interpret what others are experiencing, to help remember their own experiences, and to help predict or imagine the past or future.

With the semester coming to an end, we needed a new way to showcase our incredible PowerPoint skills. Sure, fake motivational posters are a cheesy internet gimmick. That doesn't mean they aren't humorous. But they would be better if the "motivational" message was based on actual research. Mission. Accomplished.

You're going on a date this weekend and you want to see a movie, but which movie should you go to? You might think that going to see a romantic movie would be the most likely way to make some sparks fly between you and your date, but according to research Scream 4 is likely the better choice. It may seem odd, but there’s good reason to expect that watching a horror movie could increase attraction between partners.